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Fresh launch date for Noida International Airport, ops to start after May 15

Concessionaire told to speed up work so domestic flight ops can begin between May 15 and 31, international flights between June 15 and 25, said CEO Arun Vir Singh. The first phase of the airport was initially set to be operational by September 29, 2024, but the dates were later revised to April 17 this year. This deadline too is likely to be missed as the aerodrome licence is expected in May, The Indian Express reported earlier this month.

Under construction Jewar Airport site in Greater Noida. (Express file photo)

The Noida International Airport (NIA) in Uttar Pradesh’s Jewar will commence commercial operations in mid-May, officials said on Monday.

Arun Vir Singh, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), told The Indian Express that the Uttar Pradesh government has directed the airport’s concessionaire — Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL) — to speed up work so domestic flight operations can begin anytime between May 15 and 31 and international flights between June 15 and 25.

The first phase of the airport was initially set to be operational by September 29, 2024, but the dates were later revised to April 17 this year. This deadline too is likely to be missed as the aerodrome licence is expected in May, The Indian Express reported earlier this month.

The latest development came after a review meeting, presided by UP Chief Minister Yogi Aditynanath, on March 10. “During the meeting, the concessionaire was asked to follow the terms of the contract agreement on delay penalties. A decision was taken to impose the stipulated fine of Rs 10 lakh per day on YIAPL,” said Singh.

The airport, a marquee project for the UP government, is being developed by YIAPL, a fully-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG. YIAPL is also the operator of the airport over a 40-year concession period that started on October 1, 2021.

The CEO said another meeting with all stakeholders, including officials of the Airports Authority of India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, was called to discuss the plan ahead.

“During this meeting, we asked YIAPL for a ‘catch-up’ plan to ensure flight operations don’t miss the third revised deadline. They met the Chief Secretary and gave their explanation in this regard. They will submit the plan by April 2,” Singh said.

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“The project suffered certain setbacks during the Covid pandemic… In June 2022, the construction contract was awarded to Tata Projects. We had already allowed a grace period of three months. Now, the daily penalty of Rs 10 lakh has been enforced and will continue till the airport becomes operational,” he added.

Singh explained that the delay is because the terminal building is yet to be fully completed. “It is due to the design of the iron facade used in the terminal building. The metal is first melted and then moulded, which takes more time,’ said the CEO.

When YIAPL was contacted, an official confirmed their meeting with the Chief Secretary last week. “We are working towards the completion of the project within the revised timeline. The state government has been an avid supporter of this project from the very beginning,” read an official statement from YIAPL.

The first phase of the NIA with one runway and one terminal will have the capacity to handle traffic of 1.2 crore passengers annually, with the potential for further development in additional construction phases. Eventually, after the completion of the fourth phase, the airport will have the capacity to manage 70 million passengers per year.

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The NIA will connect the greater Delhi area and Western Uttar Pradesh with flights and will serve as the third airport in the NCR besides Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), which is India’s largest airport, and Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad.

Neetika Jha

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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